Japan and U.S.A.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 25, 30 January 1914, Page 5

Japan and U.S.A.

THE RESPECTIVE NAVIES. THE PROBABILITY OF WAR. 'By Electric Telegraph—Copyright j [United Press Association J (Received 12.10 p.tn.) Washington, January 29.

Rear-Admiral Vreeland confidentially conferred with the House Committee on Naval affairs. It is reported that Admiral Vreeland urged upon the Committee the absolute necessity of the United States" keeping pace with the Japanese ship building programme. Admiral Vreeland pointed out the comparative ease with which Japan could secure the Pbillipines and Hawaii in the event of an outbreak of war, which made (t strong United States fleet imperative. Admiral Vreeland considered Alaska safe from Japanese attack, giving reasons which the Committee ordered to lie suppressed in its report. Admiral Vreeland declared that if Japan ever struck a blow, it would be a swift and damaging one. He did not doubt, however, that the United States would win if war occurred. Admiral Vreeland admitted he was unable to secure definite information regarding the actual building programme of Japan, but he knew Japan was spending every available sum on battleships and auxiliary craft. He thought that if Japan once equalled the United States in Naval strength, the country was sure to receive a demand for the abolition of Anti-alien law.